PROTEST PLIGHT
MID SUFFOLK CABBIES THREATEN STRIKE ACTION OVER NEW AGE REQUIREMENTS
Cabbies in Stowmarket have warned that new vehicle age requirements will “tear the industry to shreds”. Mid Suffolk DC has introduced requirements for drivers who first apply to have a vehicle less than eight years old. They are also increasing the frequency of checks for fossil-fuelled taxis that are more than ten years old. A council spokesman said: “We
believe the requirements are a reasonable balance between protecting the public and the needs of the trade.” The possibility of strike action was discussed at a meeting of 30 taxi company directors on August 10. Darren Riseborough of Arrow Taxi Services, attended and said of the 109 plates left in Stowmarket, 55 have agreed that these re- quirements will have a negative
impact on their industry.” He added: “One of my colleagues has bought vehicles which are now being denied a taxi licence, meaning he has lost a lot of money. There should at least be a warning period where we have the chance to rethink our fleets.” Mr Riseborough also said he would seriously consider walking away from the taxi industry if this new legislation is upheld.
HUNDREDS OF SANDWELL DRIVERS HAVE QUIT AS COUNCIL BOSSES TRY TO STOP EXODUS
Transport chiefs have discussed making life easier for Sandwell cabbies - as new figures show hundreds of drivers have quit. The number of taxi/private hire drivers registered in the borough fell from 2,400 to 1,300, according to preliminary figures shown in Sandwell council’s taxi licensing service improvement plan. Drivers in Sandwell have spent months campaigning for the council to cut fees and red tape, arguing they pay more than drivers in neighbouring councils and are being priced out of the trade. They claim that they are being asked to pay up to £399 for a one- year taxi plate, nearly twice as much as in Birmingham. They have also complained about garage appointments, delays in issuing PH licences, and a lack of support. The plan, recently presented to councillors at Sandwell council’s licensing committee, raised concerns that some drivers had
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decided to no longer work the area. It stated: “A reduction has been seen in licence holders. This could be attributed to a number of factors although reasons for non- renewal are not captured to provide any meaningful analysis.” The improvement plan comes after a summer of protest - including one as far back as August last year - where drivers marched from West Bromwich town centre to the council’s headquarters. A variety of issues identified by the cabbies have been actioned by the council, such as more garages across the borough to be used for inspections, and dual licences. Imran Qureshi, secretary of Sandwell PH Drivers Association, said he welcomed the moves but was still concerned over fees. He said: “Our concerns are more than what they gave to us, what they listened to, what they plan to do. Our main issue continues to be
the licence fees. They still feel higher compared to other boroughs. They need to adjust their policy to attract more drivers. “We will move forward on this matter, but it’s better than nothing.” Cllr Laura Rollins, cabinet member for leisure and tourism at Sandwell council, said: “In response to issues raised by the taxi trade we agreed a comprehensive plan to make improvements to our taxi licensing service in December 2021. Since then we have addressed 16 of the 24 issues identified. “The licensing committee has considered the remaining issues carefully including proposals to increase the number of garages approved to carry out safety checks and changes to medical checks. “I am committed to continued improvement of our taxi licensing service whilst also ensuring consistent safety standards for taxi and private hire passengers.”
SEPTEMBER 2022 PHTM
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